Heart of Midlothian

We asked for your views after Hearts striker and captain Lawrence Shankland was ruled out for up to eight weeks, with the club agreeing a deal for Uganda forward Rogers Mato.

Here are some of your comments:

Gary: As if Celtic and Rangers need any luck with their resources! Cammy Devlin and Shanks have been Hearts' pest performers this season thanks to the roles Derek McInnes has given them. A massive blow that I fear is irreparable at this time of the season.

Jeff: Obviously a massive blow, especially on the back of the injury to another leader in Devlin. We will really need Ageu and Islam Chesnokov to get up to speed quickly and Mato to hit ground running. We have coped first half of season with no natural right-hand side, a different set of problems... got to stay positive.

Stuart: Shankland will be a great miss. He seems to be the glue that holds the frontline together. With the number of injuries we have it does raise the question of training methods and preparation for the games.

Ken: Huge blow as Landry Kabore and Elton Kabanga are not up to it. McInnes has a really hard job to get through the next eight weeks. He will need to try and get partnerships working quickly up front and some wingers may need to play off strikers.

Ian: It's a massive loss. I never believed we would win the league but I had hope, that's now gone. Why are so many Hearts players suffering hamstring injuries? Bad luck? Poor training regimes? I can't see anyone currently at the club scoring the number of goals Shanks does. The opposition will be lapping this news up.

Chris: Very unfortunate with injuries to key players, however the Jam Tarts are still in a great position and the transfer window still open. We have to speculate to accumulate, and now is the time to utilise Brighton and Union St-Gilloise contacts plus the Jamestown data coupled with the Bloom/Anderson finances. Quality cover must be brought in and then when Shankland is back we can finish the season so strong.

Martin Watt
BBC Sport Scotland

Lawrence Shankland has been back to his best this season, so his loss for up to two months is a colossal setback for Hearts.

The Tynecastle club have reacted swiftly to the absence of their strike talisman and captain, agreeing a deal with FK Vardar for Rogers Mato to bring in the Uganda forward this month rather than wait until summer.

However, Mato is unlikely to be on board in time for Sunday's top-of-of-the-table showdown with Celtic.

Mato's form this season is prolific - 15 goals in 17 club outings - but he'll have to hit the ground running like Usain Bolt if Hearts are not to feel the loss of Shankland, whose lay-off comes on top of influential midfielder Cammy Devlin also being ruled out for up to eight weeks.

Scotland striker Shankland, 30, is the Premiership's top scorer this season with 11 goals from 21 appearances and has the joint most goal involvements - 13, level with Celtic's Benjamin Nygren.

Shankland has also had the joint most shots (with fellow Hearts forward Claudio Braga) in the league - 57 - and leads the way for shots on target (27) while only four players have had more touches in the opposition box than his total of 96.

His experience and leadership are crucial too as Hearts - currently six points clear - try to hold off the Old Firm and secure their first top-flight title since 1960.

Hearts say Shankland will miss "the next six to eight weeks", so as a best-case scenario he will be absent for seven of their remaining 16 Premiership matches.

That sequence begins with the seismic visit of Celtic, followed by away trips to Dundee United and St Mirren. Then comes a couple of humdingers - derby at home to Hibs and visit to face Rangers - before games against Falkirk and Aberdeen.

How Hearts come through that run without Shankland could well define their season.

Image source, SNS

Hearts have been rocked by another major injury blow, with striker Lawrence Shankland ruled out for six to eight weeks because of a hamstring strain.

The striker - who has 15 goals for the club this season - joins influential midfielder Cammy Devlin on the sidelines as league leaders Hearts chase down their first top-flight title in 66 years.

Where does the loss of Shankland leave Hearts and their title hopes? Is a new striker now a must before the transfer deadline?

Share your views here.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Hearts are hoping to have the results of striker Lawrence Shankland's hamstring scan later on Tuesday.

The Premiership leaders - who host second-place Celtic on Sunday - fear the 30-year-old Scotland international could be out for a number of weeks with the injury sustained in the Scottish Cup loss to Falkirk last Saturday.

Shankland has been integral to Hearts' title challenge and has netted 15 goals in 26 appearances in all competitions for Derek McInnes' side this season.

Speaking after the cup exit, head coach McInnes said: "He doesn't like coming off. He looks a bit concerned about it but hopefully it settles. He's normally a good healer."

Hearts are attempting to bolster their attacking options by expediting the arrival of Uganda forward Rogers Mato, who has already agreed a pre-contract to join in the summer. Negotiations with his club, Macedonian league leaders FK Vardar, are ongoing over a move in this window.

The Tynecastle club are also keen to add at least one midfielder on loan. Cammy Devlin will miss at least the next seven games with a lower leg injury, while fellow key midfielder Beni Baningime sits out the visit of Celtic and trip to face Dundee United through suspension.

Image source, SNS

Cammy Devlin injured. Beni Baningime suspended. Lawrence Shankland potentially out. Eliminated from the Scottish Cup.

Despite a growing list of issues that could threaten to derail Hearts' season, BBC Scotland pundit Kevin Thomson still feels Derek McInnes' side "ain't going anywhere for anyone".

A penalty shootout defeat at home to Falkirk ended the Jambos' Scottish Cup hopes at the first hurdle, but McInnes' men could still achieve something special as they remain six points clear at the Scottish Premiership summit.

Hearts have the opportunity to move nine points ahead of reigning champions Celtic when they welcome Martin O'Neill's side on Sunday, but they face being without three key players.

Although Thomson feels those absences "could be a real sucker-punch" for the Gorgie club, the former Scotland midfielder believes the mentality they have demonstrated in recent weeks shows they are in it for the long haul.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, he adds: "Some people have questioned Hearts' mentality and if they've got the depth, if they've got the squad.

"But to beat Dundee with 10 men, for Craig Gordon to come on the pitch and make that save, and to play 75 minutes through the week after Baningime got sent off [and beat St Mirren]...

"This team ain't going anywhere for anyone. So I would certainly not be betting against the Jambos to be right there coming into the end of the season.

"But there's no doubt that these injuries, Shankland and Devlin, could be a real sucker-punch for them."

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes and sporting director Graeme Jones were holding talks on Sunday aimed at reinforcing the squad following a spate of injuries and suspensions in the hope of accelerating transfer business before Sunday's top-of-the-table meeting with Celtic. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

We asked for your views on Hearts' Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Falkirk on penalties.

Here's what some of you said:

Peter: Had a doubt about this game beforehand as Falkirk were better than Celtic midweek and we had Cammy Devlin out injured. Falkirk merited the win and we can at least remain focused on the league. We are all realising now that while our squad is large it lacks sufficient numbers of high quality players in midfield.

Norrie: Horrible night at Tynecastle, we were nowhere near progressing. Something wasn't right, it was almost like the team got spooked by the size of away support.

Dave: Let's get a dose of realism into this season so far. Hearts are top of the league because the Old Firm have been so shockingly bad, so far. Hearts have had two real "must win" games, so far. Both have been lost to a team newly promoted and a team now struggling. Hearts' next "must win" game is their next, against a resurgent, so far, Celtic. Hearts may have come "so far" since last season but it's looking like they will not "arrive" this season.

Jim: Sometimes you just have to hold up your hand and compliment your opponents and that match was one such time. Over the two hours we were second best. Falkirk were better organised, looked hungrier and deserved their victory. We seldom troubled their goal, and were awarded a very doubtful penalty. Even with such a large squad, injuries are stacking up to significant players and suspensions adding to it as well. We will find out very quickly over the next month if our challenge for the top honour is justified. I am still positive about our prospects and a positive result against Celtic will confirm if I am right to remain positive.

Walter: Simply not good enough. Hearts need to be challenging for cups, it's been too long now. Fair play to Falkirk but with the resources Hearts have that's an embarrassment.

Ian: So Derek McInnes becomes only the second Hearts manager since 1965-66 NOT to take the club to a Scottish Cup final in a season ending in 5/6. Robbie Neilson being the other one in 2015-16. Going out of the two cup competitions at an early stage is not acceptable. Some team regulars need to be dropped and/or tactics changed. Clubs are now sitting in and when we fail to score they become more adventurous like Falkirk did. Some players looked like they were towing caravans and Falkirk deserved their win. No doubt some fans think Derek McInnes can do no wrong but that performance was worrying.

Falkirk ended Hearts' Scottish Cup interest at the first hurdle as Elton Kabangu's miss in the penalty shootout proved crucial.

Match report

Have your say

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Hearts manager Derek McInnes: "The players are devastated. It was always going to be a challenging week this, with the way the scheduling was with our third game in six days.

"The performance first half-hour or so was terrific. We're just guilty of not having that final pass and the final shot. Falkirk change their shape, go back to their more familiar shape to try and cope. They were the better team for the first 20 minutes of the second half.

"Our response was good. Disappointed with the goal that was chalked off. I don't see from the angle I've seen an obvious handball there. I thought that was harsh.

"Extra time was just a bit chaotic. It comes down to penalties. Falkirk's penalties were terrific. Credit to them. Huge disappointment."

On Lawrence Shankland's injury, McInnes said: "Hearts fans would maybe worry ahead for next week. We'll see how he is. He doesn't like coming off. He looks a bit concerned about it but hopefully it settles. He's normally a good healer.

"We've got too many injuries going through the club at the minute. We've got an opportunity to maybe react in the transfer market this week.

"Losing wee Cammy Devlin was a blow, Baningime suspended [against Celtic]. It goes without saying that we're a bit short in that area as well. It will be a challenge but we'll be ready for them."

Hearts' title challenge was dealt a blow with the news that Australian midfielder Cammy Devlin will miss the next six to eight weeks with injury.

Here's how you Hearts fans reacted:

Andy: Losing Devlin is a big loss. However, if other midfielders have been banging on McInnes' door for game time they'll now have the opportunity to prove their worth. It's shape up or ship out for these guys. This is a club going places and if they want to be part of it they need to do their talking on the pitch.

David: Devlin will be a big miss but one man does not make a team, a lot of people are wanting Hearts to falter and they might think this is the excuse for them now. It is up to Hearts to keep fighting and it now gives someone else to make a name for themselves.

Paul: Huge blow for Hearts. He has been the anchor man in midfield and his energy and work rate will be sorely missed in the engine room.

Chris: Never ending. Constant injuries. I know other teams have had a few injury concerns but we seem to have had to deal with the brunt of it. No two ways about it, the best player in the league is out for the most important part of the season. Absolutely gutted.

Steve: The sort of injury that can implode our season - Devlin is just that good. We have only one player who could play his role and he's suspended - Beni Baningime - and Oisin McEntee is injured.

Alan: Absolute tragedy. Without doubt overall the best player bar none in Scotland this season. Plays on intuition, turns upon unexpected areas when required, and has an incredible understanding of the game. Without doubt player of the match every time he plays.

Evan: There is enough depth in the squad, just barely, after signing Islam Chesnokov but a new midfield signing is a must in case of further injuries. We need to sign either David Watson, Elijah Just, Callum Slattery, or Elliot Watt immediately.

Peter: Devlin has really stepped up a level this season and made himself one of the 'must have' players in the team sheet. Significant blow to the league title and Scottish Cup hopes for sure. Hearts will need to adapt their play to take account of not having Devlin, but I have confidence that Derek McInnes will find a way to overcome this setback. Just unfortunate that we face Celtic next in the league game.

Gary: For holding midfielders it's got to be Tomas Magnusson and Baningime for the Falkirk game and then McEntee (if fit) or Blair Spittal and Magnusson for the Celtic game.

Ian: I think it would be extremely difficult to get another Devlin in the transfer window. There are very few with that type of tenacity. I think they have to change the style of the midfield if they could get ague fit that would maybe be a solution

Image source, SNS

Hearts standout Cammy Devlin has been ruled out injured for up to two months.

How big a blow is the loss of the talismanic midfielder to the Tynecastle title bid?

Can Hearts cope without Devlin in the coming weeks - or should they now be looking to add a midfielder in the January window?

Let us know your thoughts.

Image source, SNS

Hearts will scrap their B team set-up from next season, withdrawing from the Lowland League, to focus on their club cooperation agreements.

A statement revealed the next step on their player progression strategy, 'The Hearts Way', which will focus on current agreements with St Johnstone, Montrose and local club The Spartans.

Right-back Adam Forrester is currently at McDiarmid Park, while three youngsters - Gus Stevenson, Euan Glasgow and Tommy North - have all joined Montrose. Defender Kenzie Nair is at Spartans.

The B team started playing in the Lowland League in the 2022-23 season, with the likes of Forrester, James Wilson and Macaulay Tait gaining exposure to men's football in the first few seasons.

They finished second to East Kilbride the following season, under the guidance of former Dundee United manager Liam Fox, but have been mid-table since his departure.

"Although the public focus on JTA [Jamestown Analytics] predominantly centres around the first team, its methodology extends to our younger players too," a club statement said.

"Put simply, the more these young talents play in Scotland's professional leagues, the more they become aligned with JTA, which strengthens our ability to identify, nurture and progress them effectively.

"Given the success of CCAs [club cooperation agreements] and the importance of JTA in our future direction, the club has made the decision that the B Team will no longer operate beyond the end of this season.

"Our club academy will continue to nurture and develop young players all the way up to U19s, and from there we will stretch and challenge these players early in their careers through CCAs and other loan opportunities."

We asked for your thoughts after Hearts confirmed the pre-contract signing of St Johnstone winger Josh McPake.

Here's what some of you said:

Colin: He has done his journeyman stuff, presumably learning as he goes and taken his chance with St Johnstone and has stepped up and shown his talent. Analytics will have highlighted him to us and keeps with Derek McInnes' philosophy of having a Scottish spine in the team. He deserves a chance.

Alan: McPake hasn't really been noticed but the stats don't seem to lie on other players signed. Welcome to Hearts in the summer Josh, good luck.

Jim: The McPake signing sounds like another good piece of football business and at 24 his best years are yet to come. Added to the signing of Mato and James Wilson already in the squad it looks like Hearts are building for the future not just the present.

Jim: The club should be looking to bring in another midfielder to cover Cameron Devlin and Beni Baningime, a ball winner and someone who can keep the ball on the deck. Looks like we are going to have enough strikers and centre-backs, left and right-backs need cover.

Image source, SNS

Norwegian midfielder Sander Kartum has left Hearts to join New Zealand-based A-League side Wellington Phoenix on loan until June.

The 30-year-old has made 17 appearances, scoring two goals, since moving to Tynecastle from Brann last January.

But he has played just two games - in the League Cup - for the Premiership leaders this season.

Rogers Mato, who has agreed to join Heart of Midlothian this summer, is refusing to return to Vardar following his appearances for Uganda at the Africa Cup of Nations after the North Macedonian league leaders rejected two bids from the Tynecastle outfit for the 22-year-old forward this month. (Scottish Sun), external

Hearts are hoping to complete the permanent signing of Rogers Mato, ideally before playing Celtic this month, with negotiations taking place with Vardar while the forward remains in Uganda. (Hearts Standard), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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The loss of suspended Beni Baningime for Hearts' top-of-the-table clash with Celtic is bad enough. The potential absence of midfielder partner Cammy Devlin could be even worse.

While Baningime is definitely out of next weekend's Tynecastle showdown following his red card in the 2-0 win over St Mirren on Wednesday, Devlin was forced off in injury time, with manager Derek McInnes admitting it does not "look good".

The Australia international's influence on pacesetting Hearts' title challenge this season is huge.

The 27-year-old was integral to another important three points in midweek as Hearts found themselves reduced to 10 men after just 15 minutes.

He made four tackles, more than any other Hearts player, and won three of them as goals from Lawrence Shankland and Tomas Magnusson secured victory.

Devlin had the second-most touches and passes in the Hearts team, won the joint-most fouls (three) and also created one chance.

It's been the story of Devlin's season as the Australian has cemented himself as an essential cog in the Hearts juggernaut.

He's made 98 tackles this season and won 61 - both the most of any player in the Premiership by a distance.

In fact Devlin tops the charts for interceptions (53), possession won (163), and duels won (186).

McInnes and the Hearts support will be desperate for Devlin to make a rapid recovery in time for Celtic's visit.

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Hearts have confirmed St Johnstone winger Josh McPake will make the switch to Tynecastle on a three-year deal in the summer following the expiration of his contract in Perth.

The 24-year-old is currently the Championship's leading scorer, with Saints top of the table, and has scored 15 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions.

McPake came through the youth ranks at Rangers but never made a first-team appearance for the Ibrox club.

He had loan spells with teams including Dundee, Morecambe and Queen's Park before joining St Johnstone on a two-year deal in summer 2024.

Hearts fans, what do you make of the club securing McPake on a pre-contract? Can he make an impact next season and beyond?

Let us know here.

We asked for your thoughts after table-topping Hearts beat St Mirren 2-0 in the Scottish Premiership despite being reduced to 10 men.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Peter: Listened to the BBC commentary and my heart went straight into my mouth when Beni Baningime was sent off with only 14 minutes gone. The subsequent changes made by Derek McInnes, in formation and then his substitutions, were simply masterstrokes and the spirit in which his instructions were executed adds to my growing belief in this team and manager. Still a long hard road ahead but we are up for it, as Wednesday night and last Saturday's win over Dundee have shown us.

David: Crucial win. Let's not forget the Old Firm have European games to worry about over the next few weeks while Hearts can focus on getting players fit and prepared for crunch league matches.

Calum: Another massive statement from Hearts, answering any lingering questions from critics about their mettle and strength of mentality. Serious plaudits must also be given to McInnes and the decisions he's made under pressure. I think it shows the quality of the manager and his belief in the team that he pushed for a goal in this match rather than trying to lock things down and settle for one point.

Steve: Even with 10 men we basically controlled the game, feel sorry for Beni as he's been given such a poor pass to try and deal with which leads to the red and his suspension for the Celtic match.

Murray: Fantastic performance. Craig Gordon barely broke a sweat. Our defence was as solid as the castle rock. Midfield three did the work of four after Baningime took a fresh air swipe at the ball and caught his opponent. Our front three worked their socks off and would have made it even more comfortable on another day and Derek's substitutions were all superb. Fans created an incredible atmosphere. So proud of the team, the fans, and the club as a whole.

Mike: Started to panic when Beni got sent off. But what a masterclass from Hearts again. Looked more likely to score than St Mirren. I do believe that the title is there for the taking. After more than 60 years as a fan could this be our time.